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Phonetic Signs I — Word List

Read the Phonetic Signs I — All Words

150 words · 3 levels (50 words each) · word-phonetic-exercise.html

● Stressed vowel ● Secondary stress ● Unstressed vowel ● Voiced consonant ● Unvoiced consonant
Level 1 — Short 1–2 vowel sounds · short, everyday words 50 words
#WordPhonetic SignsJapaneseDefinitionTip
1 cat k·á·t A small furry animal kept as a pet that makes a "meow" sound. "a" sounds like the "a" in "hat" or "man"
2 fish f·í·sh A cold-blooded animal with fins and scales that lives in water. "sh" is a single unvoiced sound — like saying "shh" for quiet
3 tree t·r·ḗ A tall plant with a wooden trunk, branches, and leaves. "ē" is a long, bright vowel — like in "see" or "free"
4 moon m·ū́·n The large natural object that orbits Earth and shines at night. "ū" is a rounded lip sound — like in "who" or "food"
5 rain r·ā́·n Water drops that fall from clouds in the sky. "ā" is the long "a" sound — like in "day" or "say"
6 bird b·úr·d A feathered animal with wings and a beak. "ur" sounds like the "ir" in "sir" or "girl"
7 sun s·ú·n The star at the center of our solar system that gives us light and heat. "u" is a short, relaxed vowel — like in "cup" or "fun"
8 light l·ī́·t The energy that makes things visible to our eyes. "ī" sounds like the letter "I" — like in "my" or "high"
9 snow s·n·ṓ Soft white frozen water crystals that fall from clouds in winter. "ō" is a long "o" sound — like in "go" or "know"
10 school s·k·ū́·l A place where students go to learn from teachers. "ū" is the same long rounded sound as in "moon"
11 flower f·l·ów·ər The colorful, often sweet-smelling part of a plant that makes seeds. "ow" sounds like "ouch" — like in "cow" or "now"
12 water w·áw·t·ər The clear liquid essential for all life on Earth. "aw" is a long open "o" sound — like in "saw" or "awe"
13 teacher t·ḗ·ch·ər A person whose job is to help students learn. "ch" is a single unvoiced sound — like in "chip"
14 river r·í·v·ər A large natural stream of water flowing toward the sea. "v" is voiced — your throat should vibrate (unlike "f")
15 winter w·í·n·t·ər The coldest season of the year. "i" is a short vowel — like in "sit" or "win"
16 summer s·ú·m·ər The hottest season of the year. "ər" at the end is very short and unstressed — almost like "a"
17 forest f·áwr·ə·s·t A large area of land covered with many trees. "awr" sounds like "or" in "four" or "more"
18 window w·í·n·d·ō A glass opening in a wall that lets in light and air. The unstressed "ō" at the end is soft — do not stress it
19 sunset s·ú·n·s·è·t The time each evening when the sun goes below the horizon. "u" in "SUN" is stressed; the "e" in "set" is lighter
20 morning m·áwr·n·i·ng The early part of the day, from sunrise until noon. "ng" at the end is a nasal sound made at the back of the throat
21 bread b·r·é·d A common food baked from flour and water. "e" is a short open vowel — like in "bed"
22 dream d·r·ḗ·m Images in your mind while you sleep; also a strong wish for the future. "ē" is a long bright vowel — like in "see"
23 green g·r·ḗ·n The color of grass and leaves. "gr" — two consonants together; say them as one smooth blend
24 cloud k·l·ów·d A white or grey mass of water drops floating in the sky. "ow" sounds like "ouch" — your mouth opens wide
25 plane p·l·ā́·n A vehicle with wings and engines that flies through the air. "ā" is the long "a" — like in "day"
26 child ch·ī́·l·d A young person who is not yet an adult. "ī" sounds like the letter "I" — like in "my"
27 smoke s·m·ṓ·k The grey or black gas produced when something burns. "ō" is a long closed vowel — like in "go"
28 blood b·l·ú·d The red liquid that flows through your veins and arteries. "u" is a short relaxed vowel — like in "cup"
29 world w·úr·l·d The Earth and all the people, animals, and places on it. "ur" sounds like the vowel in "bird" or "her"
30 brain b·r·ā́·n The organ inside your head that controls thinking and feeling. "br" blend — voiced "b" flows straight into "r"
31 fresh f·r·é·sh New, clean, and not stale or processed. "sh" is one unvoiced sound — like saying "shh"
32 earth úr·th The planet we live on; also the soil under our feet. "ur" is the only vowel here — the whole word is just two sounds
33 sport s·p·áwr·t A physical activity with rules, played for competition or fun. "awr" sounds like "or" in "more"
34 shelf sh·é·l·f A flat board on a wall or inside a cupboard for storing things. "sh" at the start is unvoiced — no throat vibration
35 ghost g·ṓ·s·t The spirit of a dead person that some people believe can be seen. "ō" is a long rounded vowel — like in "no"
36 bridge b·r·í·j A structure built over a river or road that people can cross. "j" is the voiced "g" sound — like in "jump"
37 butter b·ú·t·ər A soft yellow food made from cream, spread on bread. "u" is stressed; "ər" at the end is very short and light
38 garden g·áar·d·ə·n An area of land where you grow plants, flowers, or vegetables. "aar" sounds like "ar" in "car" or "star"
39 candle k·á·n·d·ə·l A stick of wax with a string you burn to make light. "a" in "KAN" is stressed; "əl" at the end is barely said
40 pocket p·ó·k·ə·t A small bag sewn into clothing for carrying small items. "o" is stressed; "ə" is so short it almost disappears
41 sister s·í·s·t·ər A girl or woman who has the same parents as you. "i" is stressed; "ər" at the end is unstressed and short
42 doctor d·ó·k·t·ər A person trained to treat sick or injured people. "o" is stressed; "ər" is a light unstressed ending
43 center s·é·n·t·ər The middle point or part of something. "e" is stressed; "ər" is unstressed
44 finger f·í·ng·g·ər One of the five long thin parts at the end of your hand. "ng" is a nasal sound made at the back of the throat
45 market m·áar·k·ə·t A place where people buy and sell food and goods. "aar" is the stressed vowel — like "ar" in "start"
46 ocean ṓ·sh·ə·n A very large area of salt water covering much of the Earth. "ō" is stressed; "ə" at the end is barely said
47 planet p·l·á·n·ə·t A large round object in space that moves around a star. "a" is stressed; "ə" is so short it almost disappears
48 thunder th·ú·n·d·ər The loud sound heard in the sky during a storm. "th" here is unvoiced — like in "think"
49 carpet k·áar·p·ə·t A thick fabric covering for floors. "aar" sounds like the "ar" in "far"
50 insect í·n·s·è·k·t A small animal with six legs, such as a bee, ant, or fly. "i" in "IN" is primary stress; "e" in "sekt" has secondary stress
Level 2 — Medium 3 vowel sounds · medium-length words 50 words
#WordPhonetic SignsJapaneseDefinitionTip
1 animal á·n·i·m·ə·l A living creature that can move and is not a plant. "a" is stressed; "i" and "ə" are very light and quick
2 family f·á·m·ə·l·ē A group of people related to each other, like parents and children. "ə" and "ē" are both unstressed — say them quickly
3 holiday h·ó·l·ə·d·ā A special day of celebration or a break from work or school. Only "HOL" is stressed — the other two syllables are soft
4 calendar k·á·l·ə·n·d·ər A chart showing all the days, weeks, and months of the year. "a" in "KAL" is stressed; the rest flow quickly and lightly
5 energy é·n·ər·j·ē The power that allows things to move, change, or do work. "j" here is the voiced "g" sound — like in "jump"
6 history h·í·s·t·ər·ē The study of events and people from the past. "HIS" is stressed; "tər" and "ē" are quick and light
7 memory m·é·m·ər·ē The ability to remember things you have seen, heard, or learned. Only "MEM" is stressed — the last two syllables are unstressed
8 natural n·á·ch·ər·ə·l Existing in or caused by nature, not made or changed by humans. "ch" is one unvoiced sound; "ər" and "əl" are both light
9 popular p·ó·p·y·ə·l·ər Liked or admired by a large number of people. "y" connects the syllables smoothly — say it quickly
10 regular r·é·g·y·ə·l·ər Happening often, at fixed times, or following a normal pattern. "g" here is voiced — your throat vibrates
11 Saturday s·á·t·ər·d·ā̀ The seventh and last day of the week, after Friday. "a" in "SAT" is stressed; the other syllables are soft
12 together t·ə·g·é·th·ər In the same place, at the same time, or working as a group. "th" here is voiced — like in "the" or "this"
13 tomorrow t·ə·m·ó·r·ō The day that comes after today. Stress on the middle syllable "MOR" — the first and last are soft
14 internet í·n·t·ər·n·e·t A global network of connected computers for sharing information. "IN" is stressed; "tər" is very short and light
15 October ò·k·t·ṓ·b·ər The tenth month of the year, between September and November. Stress on "TOH" — the second syllable; the first "ok" is soft
16 mineral m·í·n·ər·ə·l A natural solid substance found in rocks and the ground. "ər" and "əl" are both unstressed — very light sounds
17 library l·ī́·b·r·e·r·ē A building where books and other resources are kept for people to use. "ī" sounds like the letter "I" — like in "high" or "fly"
18 already aw·l·r·é·d·ē Before now, or by a time earlier than expected. Stress on "RED" — the second syllable
19 banana b·ə·n·á·n·ə A long curved yellow fruit that grows in hot tropical countries. "ə" at the start and end are very light — stress is only on "NAN"
20 operate ó·p·ər·ā̀·t To work, function, or cause a machine or system to work. "o" is stressed; the last two syllables flow together quickly
21 beautiful b·y·ū́·t·i·f·ə·l Very pleasing to look at; having an attractive appearance. "y" before "ū" makes the "byoo" sound — like in "few"
22 computer k·ə·m·p·y·ū́·t·ər An electronic machine that stores and processes information. Stress on "PYOO" — the second syllable
23 develop d·ə·v·é·l·ə·p To grow, improve, or make something more advanced over time. Stress on "VEL" — the second syllable
24 factory f·á·k·t·ər·ē A large building where goods are made by machines. Stress on "FAK" — the last two syllables are very light
25 favorite f·ā́·v·ər·i·t The thing or person you like best above all others. Stress on "FAY" — say the last two syllables quickly
26 general j·é·n·ər·ə·l Applying to most situations or people; not specific. Stress on "JEN" — the last two syllables are very light
27 government g·ú·v·ər·n·m·ə·n·t The group of people who rule and make laws for a country. Stress on "GUV" — three syllables said quickly
28 important i·m·p·áwr·t·ə·n·t Having great value, meaning, or effect. Stress on "PORT" — "awr" sounds like the "or" in "more"
29 medicine m·é·d·i·s·i·n A substance used to treat or prevent illness. Stress on "MED" — the other syllables are light and quick
30 several s·é·v·ər·ə·l More than two but not very many. Stress on "SEV" — say the last two syllables very quickly
31 another ə·n·ú·th·ər One more of the same kind; a different one. Stress on "NUTH" — voiced "th" vibrates your throat
32 adventure ə·d·v·é·n·ch·ər An exciting or unusual experience, often involving some risk. Stress on "VEN" — "ch" is one unvoiced sound
33 camera k·á·m·ər·ə A device used to take photographs or record videos. Stress on "KAM" — the last two syllables are barely said
34 century s·é·n·ch·ər·ē A period of one hundred years. Stress on "SEN" — "ch" joins the unstressed middle syllable
35 customer k·ú·s·t·ə·m·ər A person who buys goods or services from a shop or business. Stress on "KUS" — three quick syllables
36 different d·í·f·ər·ə·n·t Not the same as something or someone else. Stress on "DIF" — say "ər" and "ənt" very quickly
37 excellent é·k·s·ə·l·ə·n·t Extremely good; of very high quality. Stress on "EK" — the two "ə" sounds are very light
38 exercise é·k·s·ər·s·ī̀·z Physical activity done regularly to stay healthy and strong. Stress on "EK" — "ī" in "-sīz" has secondary stress
39 festival f·é·s·t·i·v·ə·l A special celebration or event with music, food, and activities. Stress on "FES" — say "ti" and "vəl" quickly
40 furniture f·úr·n·i·ch·ər Objects such as chairs, tables, and beds used in a room. "ur" is the main stressed vowel — like in "her" or "fur"
41 November n·ṑ·v·é·m·b·ər The eleventh month of the year, between October and December. Stress on "VEM" — "ō" in "noh" has secondary stress
42 penalty p·é·n·ə·l·t·ē A punishment given for breaking a rule or law. Stress on "PEN" — three syllables, only the first is stressed
43 physical f·í·z·i·k·ə·l Relating to the body, or to things you can touch and see. Stress on "FIZ" — "z" is voiced, unlike "s"
44 probably p·r·ó·b·ə·b·l·ē Very likely to happen or be true. Stress on "PROB" — "ə" is very light; "ē" is also unstressed
45 property p·r·ó·p·ər·t·ē Something that belongs to someone; land or buildings owned by a person. Stress on "PROP" — the other syllables are very light
46 magazine m·à·g·ə·z·ḗ·n A thin book published regularly with articles, pictures, and stories. Primary stress on "ZEEN" — "a" in "mag" has secondary stress
47 strategy s·t·r·á·t·ə·j·ē A carefully planned method to achieve a goal. Stress on "STRAT" — "j" is the voiced "g" sound
48 victory v·í·k·t·ər·ē The act of winning a battle, competition, or contest. Stress on "VIK" — "v" is voiced, your throat vibrates
49 violence v·ī́·ə·l·ə·n·s Strong physical force that hurts or damages people or things. "ī" sounds like "eye" — the two "ə" sounds are very light
50 citizen s·í·t·ə·z·ə·n A person who legally belongs to a country and has rights there. Stress on "SIT" — "z" is voiced, unlike "s"
Level 3 — Long 4 or more vowel sounds · long, academic words 50 words
#WordPhonetic SignsJapaneseDefinitionTip
1 education è·d·y·ū·k·ā́·sh·ə·n The process of learning and teaching in order to gain knowledge. Stress on "KAY" — the third syllable out of four
2 information ì·n·f·ər·m·ā́·sh·ə·n Facts, knowledge, or data about a subject or event. Stress on "MAY" — the third syllable out of four
3 imagination i·m·à·j·ə·n·ā́·sh·ə·n The ability to create new pictures, stories, or ideas in your mind. Stress on "NAY" — the fourth syllable out of five
4 communication k·ə·m·y·ū̀·n·ə·k·ā́·sh·ə·n The act of sharing information or ideas with other people. Stress on "KAY" — the fourth syllable out of five
5 organization àwr·g·ə·n·ə·z·ā́·sh·ə·n A group of people arranged with structure and purpose, like a company. "z" is voiced — unlike "s", your throat vibrates
6 examination i·g·z·à·m·ə·n·ā́·sh·ə·n A formal test used to measure a person's knowledge or skill. Stress on "NAY" — the fourth syllable out of five
7 electricity ə·l·è·k·t·r·í·s·ə·t·ē A form of energy used to power lights, machines, and computers. Stress on "TRIS" — the third syllable out of five
8 university y·ū̀·n·ə·v·úr·s·ə·t·ē A large institution where students study for degrees after high school. Stress on "VUR" — the third syllable out of five
9 opportunity ò·p·ər·t·y·ū́·n·ə·t·ē A favorable time or situation to do something good or useful. Stress on "TYOO" — the third syllable out of five
10 understanding ù·n·d·ər·s·t·á·n·d·i·ng The ability to know, accept, and make sense of something. Stress on "STAND" — the third syllable out of four
11 individual ì·n·d·ə·v·í·j·ū·ə·l A single, separate person or thing considered on its own. Stress on "VIJ" — the third syllable out of five
12 immediately ə·m·ḗ·d·ə·t·l·ē At once, without any delay or waiting. Stress on "MEE" — the second syllable out of four
13 appropriate ə·p·r·ṓ·p·r·ē·ə·t Correct or suitable for a particular situation or purpose. Stress on "PROH" — the second syllable out of four
14 experience ə·k·s·p·ḗr·ē·ə·n·s Something you have done or lived through that teaches you something. Stress on "SPEER" — the second syllable out of four
15 approximately ə·p·r·ó·k·s·ə·m·ə·t·l·ē Almost correct or exact, but not perfectly accurate. Stress on "PROK" — the second syllable out of five
16 civilization s·ì·v·ə·l·ə·z·ā́·sh·ə·n An advanced and organized human society with culture, laws, and technology. Stress on "ZAY" — the fourth syllable out of five
17 accommodation ə·k·ò·m·ə·d·ā́·sh·ə·n A place to stay, such as a hotel room or apartment. Stress on "DAY" — the fourth syllable out of five
18 responsibility r·i·s·p·ò·n·s·ə·b·í·l·ə·t·ē A duty or obligation that you are expected to carry out. Stress on "BIL" — the fourth syllable out of six
19 geography j·ḕ·ó·g·r·ə·f·ē The study of Earth's places, land, water, people, and environments. Stress on "OG" — the second syllable out of four
20 operation ò·p·ər·ā́·sh·ə·n The process of working or being active; also, a medical procedure. Stress on "AY" — the third syllable out of four
21 biology b·ī̀·ó·l·ə·j·ē The scientific study of living things, including plants and animals. Stress on "OL" — "ī" in "bī" has secondary stress
22 category k·á·t·ə·g·awr·ē A group of things or people that share something in common. Stress on "KAT" — the last three syllables are very light
23 celebrity s·ə·l·é·b·r·i·t·ē A famous person, especially in entertainment or sports. Stress on "LEB" — the second syllable out of four
24 community k·ə·m·y·ū́·n·i·t·ē A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests. Stress on "MYOO" — "y" connects smoothly to "ū"
25 democracy d·i·m·ó·k·r·ə·s·ē A system of government where people vote to choose their leaders. Stress on "MOK" — the second syllable out of four
26 economy i·k·ó·n·ə·m·ē The system of money, trade, and industry in a country. Stress on "KON" — the second syllable out of four
27 environment i·n·v·ī́·r·ə·n·m·ə·n·t The natural world around us — air, water, land, and living things. Stress on "VĪ" — "ī" sounds like "eye"
28 generation j·è·n·ə·r·ā́·sh·ə·n All the people born and living at around the same time. Primary stress on "RAY" — "e" in "jen" has secondary stress
29 photography f·ə·t·ó·g·r·ə·f·ē The art or practice of taking photographs. Stress on "TOG" — the second syllable out of four
30 population p·ò·p·y·ū·l·ā́·sh·ə·n The total number of people living in a place. Primary stress on "LAY" — "o" in "pop" has secondary stress
31 transformation t·r·à·n·s·f·áwr·m·ā·sh·ə·n A complete change in the appearance or character of something. Stress on "FORM" — "a" in "trans" has secondary stress
32 administration ə·d·m·ì·n·i·s·t·r·ā́·sh·ə·n The process of managing and organizing a business, school, or government. Primary stress on "STRAY" — "i" in "min" has secondary stress
33 anniversary à·n·i·v·úr·s·ər·ē The date on which an important event happened in a previous year. Primary stress on "VUR" — "a" in "an" has secondary stress
34 association ə·s·ṑ·s·ē·ā́·sh·ə·n An organization of people who share a common interest or purpose. Primary stress on "AY" — "ō" in "SOH" has secondary stress
35 cooperation k·ṑ·o·p·ər·ā́·sh·ə·n Working together with others toward a shared goal. Primary stress on "AY" — "ō" in "koh" has secondary stress
36 evaluation i·v·à·l·y·ū·ā́·sh·ə·n The process of judging or assessing the quality or value of something. Primary stress on "AY" — "a" in "val" has secondary stress
37 globalization g·l·ṑ·b·ə·l·ī·z·ā́·sh·ə·n The process by which the world becomes more connected through trade and communication. Primary stress on "ZAY" — "ō" in "gloh" has secondary stress
38 hospitality h·ò·s·p·i·t·á·l·i·t·ē The friendly and generous treatment of guests and visitors. Primary stress on "TAL" — "o" in "hos" has secondary stress
39 independent ì·n·d·i·p·é·n·d·ə·n·t Not controlled by others; free to make your own decisions. Primary stress on "PEN" — "i" in "in" has secondary stress
40 investigation i·n·v·è·s·t·i·g·ā́·sh·ə·n A careful examination of facts to find out the truth about something. Primary stress on "GAY" — "e" in "ves" has secondary stress
41 nationality n·à·sh·ə·n·á·l·i·t·ē The status of belonging to a particular country as a citizen. Primary stress on "NAL" — "a" in "nash" has secondary stress
42 participation p·àar·t·i·s·i·p·ā́·sh·ə·n The act of taking part in an activity or event. Primary stress on "PAY" — "aar" in "par" has secondary stress
43 qualification k·w·ò·l·i·f·i·k·ā́·sh·ə·n A skill, ability, or certificate needed for a job or activity. Primary stress on "KAY" — "o" in "kwol" has secondary stress
44 recommendation r·è·k·ə·m·e·n·d·ā́·sh·ə·n A suggestion that something is good or suitable for a purpose. Primary stress on "DAY" — "e" in "rek" has secondary stress
45 vocabulary v·ə·k·á·b·y·ū·l·ər·ē All the words a person knows or uses in a particular language. Stress on "KAB" — the second syllable out of five
46 creativity k·r·ḕ·ā·t·í·v·i·t·ē The ability to produce new and original ideas or things. Primary stress on "TIV" — "ē" in "kree" has secondary stress
47 documentary d·ò·k·y·ū·m·é·n·t·ər·ē A film or TV program giving factual information about a real subject. Primary stress on "MEN" — "o" in "dok" has secondary stress
48 representative r·è·p·r·i·z·é·n·t·ə·t·i·v A person chosen to speak or act on behalf of a group. Primary stress on "ZEN" — "e" in "rep" has secondary stress
49 appreciation ə·p·r·ḕ·sh·i·ā́·sh·ə·n A feeling of gratitude; recognizing the value or quality of something. Primary stress on "AY" — "ē" in "PREE" has secondary stress
50 technological t·è·k·n·ə·l·ó·j·i·k·ə·l Relating to or using technology, especially modern electronic devices. Primary stress on "LOJ" — "e" in "tek" has secondary stress